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Camping near Shawnee National Forest

729 Reviews

Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has many different types of camping spots throughout its rugged landscape. Shawnee Forest Campground gives you full hookups if you're bringing an RV, and there's a small lake where you can fish. If you head to Giant City State Park Campground, you'll be close to lots of hiking trails and horse paths that wind through the woods. Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park sits near good rock climbing spots and has good views of the surrounding area. Make sure to check if you need permits for fires when you camp here, as rules can change with the seasons. You should book ahead for campsites, especially in summer and fall when more people visit. The forest has trails for all skill levels that take you past interesting rock formations and seasonal waterfalls. Shawnee works well for both tent campers and RVers looking to spend time in this part of Illinois.

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Best Camping Sites Near Shawnee National Forest (122)

    1. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "Red Bud Campground Shawnee National Forest Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area Harrisburg, IL

    Red Bud Campground is a secluded heavily tree covered campground perfect for tent and RV Camping."

    "However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    35 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "A nice stop to visit the Shawnee National Forest."

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    3. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    4. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    53 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    "Great trails within walking distance. One of the most clear and closest to the sky areas in the midwest for sky gazing. The camp sites are nicely sized."

    "Pharaoh's was super close to everything we wanted to see and made a great home base. It's very minimal with fire pits and pit bathrooms being the only amenities but we didn't mind at all."

    5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    15 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 638-3246

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Our favorite in all of Illinois!!"

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.

    When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    7. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."

    "Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."

    8. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Located near Shawnee National Forest. Beautiful area. Facilities nice. Hiking. Birding. Nature!!"

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    9. Oak Point Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    "Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on."

    10. Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3394

    "We were a bit nervous about this campground when reading reviews and seeing the location (there is an Impact Incarceration Program that shares the border), but I'm glad we found it."

    "There was a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shawnee National Forest

129 Photos of 122 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

729 Reviews of 122 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Shawnee National Forest

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the area. Many campers rave about the trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, with one visitor saying, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Gun Creek. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food," making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Jackson Falls is known for its climbing spots. One camper noted, "Great place to backwoods camp. It can be busy on the weekends and can be difficult to find an open site at times."

What campers like:

  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful."
  • Seclusion: Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful," highlighting the campground's charm.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. At Giant City State Park Campground, one guest shared, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. Shawnee Forest Campground has paved trails, making it easier for families to explore together. One reviewer said, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the playground, stating, "The playground was good."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for adventures. A camper at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Great hiking and scenery and it was very quiet at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A reviewer at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are flat. Clean facilities."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A visitor at Pine Ridge said, "There is no sanitary dump station, and the water spigot does not have a way to hook up a hose to fill your tank."

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Shawnee National Forest camping sites?

Amenities vary widely across Shawnee National Forest campgrounds. Oak Point - Lake Glendale offers more developed facilities with water and electric hookups, private sites, and access to a beach area. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park provides gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. More rustic options like Johnson Creek have centralized bathhouses, pit toilets, and drinking water stations. Dispersed camping areas such as Jackson Falls have minimal or no amenities. Come prepared with your own supplies, especially if staying at the more remote sites.

What recreational activities are available while camping in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest offers diverse recreational activities for all interests. Hiking is abundant, with Pine Ridge providing easy access to Garden of the Gods, one of the forest's most spectacular features. Jackson Falls is a premier rock climbing destination that's also popular with horseback riders. The forest excels in stargazing opportunities, particularly at Pharoah campground, noted for having some of the clearest skies in the Midwest. Water activities abound with swimming beaches at Lake Glendale and fishing at Kincaid Lake near Johnson Creek. Birdwatching and nature photography are excellent throughout the forest, with Ferne Clyffe State Park offering particularly good opportunities for spotting local wildlife.

Do I need reservations for camping at Shawnee National Forest?

Reservation policies vary throughout Shawnee National Forest. Hilltop Campground, a private option near the forest, is recommended for those wanting guaranteed availability with reservations. For public campgrounds, many developed sites like Lake Glendale Recreation Area accept reservations, which are strongly recommended during peak seasons (spring and fall) and weekends. Some smaller campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping areas like Jackson Falls don't require formal reservations but can become crowded, especially on weekends and near the college campus. For the best camping experience, especially during popular times, securing reservations where available is advisable.

Where are the designated campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest offers several designated campgrounds across its vast landscape. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground is centrally located with trail access and excellent stargazing opportunities. Johnson Creek features three camping loops in the northwestern edge with single, double, and triple sites. Other notable campgrounds include Pine Ridge near Garden of the Gods, Oak Point at Lake Glendale with lakeside sites, and dispersed camping options at Jackson Falls. Ferne Clyffe State Park, located within the forest, offers both Deer Ridge and Turkey Ridge campgrounds. Most developed sites provide basic facilities while dispersed camping requires more self-sufficiency.

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